• “Fun Ship” & Resort-Style Cruising: Marella Cruises (formerly Thomson Cruises) is known as the UK’s preeminent “fun ship” cruise line, offering a relaxed, resort-style experience aimed at families and young couples, differentiating itself from more traditional lines.
• Evolution and Fleet Modernization: After initially chartering ships, Marella began purchasing its own larger, more modern vessels (like Marella Discovery and Marella Explorer) from 2015 onwards, enabled by the merger between Thomson and TUI.
• Fly-Cruise and Flexible Itineraries: The cruise line traditionally focused on fly-cruise itineraries from international homeports in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Middle East, but post-COVID, it expanded to offer UK-focused roundtrip voyages.
• Casual Onboard Lifestyle: Marella offers a laid-back, casual atmosphere with multiple dining options (open-seating), kids’ clubs, nightly West End-style shows, and a focus on daytime activities like trivia and sports, with only one formal night per cruise.

Get ready to set sail for fun and excitement with Marella Cruises, the UK’s beloved “fun ship” cruise line! What a vibrant journey this company has had, evolving from Thomson Cruises to become a leader in resort-style cruising, perfect for families and young couples seeking a relaxed and memorable getaway. Marella has brilliantly carved out its own unique niche, focusing on competitive fares and carefree enjoyment onboard, truly offering something special for every British cruise passenger, especially first-timers!

Marella’s history is a wonderful testament to adaptability and growth. After a brief pause in its early days, the cruise line triumphantly re-entered the market in 1995, perfectly aligning with cruising’s growing popularity. They’ve cleverly chartered and acquired ships over the years, steadily growing their fleet to include magnificent vessels like Marella Discovery and Marella Explorer, now their flagship with fantastic amenities like abundant balcony cabins! These impressive fleet upgrades have been made possible by the powerful merger between Thomson and TUI, ensuring Marella has the resources to continually enhance its product.

Life onboard a Marella cruise is designed for pure enjoyment! Imagine laid-back, uber-casual days filled with engaging trivia games and sports tournaments, followed by dazzling West End-style shows in the evenings and lively fun in the onboard nightclub. With multiple dining options, including both open-seating main dining rooms and casual buffets, there’s always something delicious to savor.

Plus, with dedicated kids’ clubs and only one formal night (with casual alternatives available!), Marella truly caters to all ages and preferences, making it a fantastic choice for multi-generational groups and school holiday adventurers. Marella Cruises is clearly dedicated to delivering delightful, unforgettable cruise experiences that capture the essence of fun and relaxation!